travel
Planning a trip to France? Join Us in France is the podcast for you! On this podcast we have conversations about our trips to France, chat with tour guides, share tips on French culture, the basics of French history, explain how to be savvy traveler in France and share our love of French food, wine and destinations in France. You won't want to miss out on all these great conversations about one of the most beautiful countries on earth! Subscribe now so you don't miss an episode. And if you're planning your own trip soon - start listening now so you're ready to connect to France on a deeper level. Bon voyage!
Tourist Patricia Howard describes getting caught in unexpected protests, looting, and tear gas in Bordeaux on October 17th. She notes that while the situation was disorienting and frightening, locals and protesters occasionally stepped in to offer medical help, and she emphasizes that the experience has not diminished her love for France.
Paris resident Lachlan Cook shares that the Left Bank remained largely quiet and untouched during the October 17th protests, though he encountered residual tear gas after taking the Metro near Cité. He notes that while some public infrastructure suffered damage, cleanup crews were quick to restore normalcy the following morning.
Travelers Anne-Marie and Tom Blank recount being in Limoges on October 17th when the city hall was set on fire by individuals they describe as anarchists. They report hearing explosions and smelling smoke from their hotel room, drawing a poignant parallel to a previous visit to the martyred village of Oradour-sur-Glane.
Parisian resident Patricia Perry explains that the October 17th demonstrations escalated much faster than anticipated, leaving police severely understaffed and allowing opportunistic looters to target hundreds of stores, particularly along Rue de Rivoli.
Janet Boyd, a student in Montpellier, shares her experience watching the initial hours of the October 17th demonstrations from a local café, describing a festive atmosphere with families and marching bands before the environment shifted and tear gas was deployed.
Jennifer Hanniman recommends Lille as a vibrant, youthful university town and a strategic base for exploring World War I sites like Vimy Ridge and Ypres in Belgium. She notes that the city offers great Flemish food, open Sunday shops, and a lively atmosphere without the overwhelming tourist crowds found in other French regions.
Annie Sargent and Jennifer Hanniman discuss how climate change and extreme summer heat in the south of France are driving tourists toward northern destinations like Brittany, Normandy, and Lille instead of traditional hotspots in June, July, and August.
Jennifer Hanniman and Annie Sargent praise Metz for its beautiful architecture, stunning cathedral stained glass, and the Centre Pompidou Metz. They suggest it as a lively, lived-in alternative to overcrowded cities for both regular travel and Christmas markets.
Jennifer Hanniman shares a cautionary tale about visiting Nancy over New Year's Eve, noting that the freezing wet cold and widespread holiday closures left the downtown area completely dead with almost all restaurants and markets shut down.
Annie Sargent provides a news update on widespread protests across France regarding the cost of living, high school funding, and fuel prices, noting that demonstrations drew hundreds of thousands of participants and resulted in widespread looting, burned town halls, and thousands of arrests.
Jennifer Gruenke shares her experiences hiking and camping along Brittany's GR34 coastal trail, detailing a recent trip from Saint-Brieuc to Saint-Malo. She highlights the well-maintained trail network, the variety of campgrounds from one to four stars, and the convenience of the regional Breizhgo bus system for hikers.
Campgrounds along Brittany's GR34 trail range from basic to resort-like, with star ratings indicating amenities such as swimming pools, playgrounds, and security gates. Jennifer Gruenke notes that lower-starred campgrounds can be particularly beneficial for through-hikers, offering common spaces for charging devices and storing food.
During a hike near Saint-Brieuc, Jennifer Gruenke witnessed a unique mussel harvesting operation using wheeled boats on the Bay of Saint-Brieuc. These vessels, equipped with a claw device, collect mussels from poles seeded with baby mussels.
Jennifer Gruenke details the efficiency and affordability of Brittany's regional bus network, Breizhgo, which she used during her GR34 hike. The system operates with a user-friendly app and costs three euros per trip, allowing hikers to easily navigate between trail sections or towns.
Jennifer Gruenke describes visiting Îlot Saint-Michel, a tidal island in Brittany that can be accessed by foot when the tide is out, similar to Mont Saint-Michel. The island features a chapel and striking natural colors from red rocks, yellow lichen, and blue mussels.
Jennifer Gruenke identifies Breizh Cola, a local soda, and galettes, savory buckwheat crepes, as key culinary experiences in Brittany. She notes that the sugar-free version of Breizh Cola is particularly appealing and compares it favorably to Diet Coke.
A 19-year-old named Sebastien Dominguez has developed 'Balance Ton Ascenseur,' a website that maps approximately 2,300 public elevators in the Paris region. The site addresses the issue of frequently broken elevators, providing real-time, crowdsourced updates that supplement official data feeds.
The Paris Seine swimming season, which concluded on August 29th, attracted 120,000 swimmers, a 20% increase from the previous year. Despite a premature closure due to heavy rain and elevated bacterial levels, the Seine was the most popular of the city's designated swimming areas.
The 700-meter-long Rue du Louvre in Paris offers a walkable experience showcasing a blend of historic architecture and contemporary attractions. Highlights include the renovated Poste du Louvre, the Bourse de Commerce housing the Pinault Collection, and the Haute École de la Joaillerie, the world's oldest jewelry school.
Eiffel Tower employees, including women who were allegedly told to avoid certain areas during a visit by a Hindu delegation, walked off the job on Monday. The SETE, the company operating the tower, confirmed the delegation requested limited interaction with women, a request deemed unacceptable by the mayor of Paris city center.
United Airlines will launch a new year-round direct flight connecting Toulouse Blagnac Airport to Washington Dulles International Airport starting April 26, 2027. This route, operated on a new Airbus A321XLR aircraft assembled in Toulouse, marks the first time a US carrier will fly directly to the city.
Rowena Sjovall shares her experience attending a four-week French language course at L'Ecole Clé in Tours, France. Despite being placed in a B2 level, she found the immersion challenging but rewarding, utilizing a French-only environment for learning.
Rowena Sjovall details her explorations in the Loire Valley, highlighting visits to chateaux like Loches and Azay-le-Rideau, and discovering the village of Vouvray, known for its wine. She also recounts her experience at the Tapestry of the Apocalypse in Angers.
Annie Sargent explains the French principle of laïcité, emphasizing its deep historical roots and strict interpretation of secularism. She highlights how it dictates neutrality in public institutions and public servants, explaining its relevance to recent events and laws concerning religious symbols and attire.
Jean-François de Galaup, Comte de Lapérouse, born in 1741 near Albi, was a noble naval officer who began his career at age 15. He served in numerous campaigns, fighting against the British in North American waters and gaining experience in exploration and naval strategy.
Despite the harsh conditions of 18th-century naval life, Lapérouse was known for his considerate and humane treatment of his sailors, which earned him respect and admiration. This reputation was noted as unusual for military figures of his time.
While stationed in Mauritius, Lapérouse fell in love with Eleanor, a woman from a less affluent background. Despite his family's objections due to her lack of nobility, and a five-year delay, they eventually married when he was 42 and she was 28.
During the American War of Independence, Lapérouse was tasked with leading a fleet to Hudson Bay. His successful campaign against British ships there, without losing a single man, cemented his status as a national hero and led to his promotion to supreme commander.
King Louis XVI, a keen patron of science and exploration, commissioned Lapérouse in 1785 to complete the cartography of the Pacific Ocean, building on the work of James Cook. This prestigious mission involved a detailed itinerary and aimed to enhance France's global reputation.
Departing in 1785 with two ships, the Boussole and Astrolabe, Lapérouse's expedition embarked on an extensive voyage. They sailed around Cape Horn, explored the coasts of North and South America, visited Hawaii and Japan, and reached Siberia before heading into the South Pacific.
In June 1788, Lapérouse's ships, the Boussole and Astrolabe, were caught in a cyclone off the coast of Vanikoro in the Solomon Islands and disappeared. Despite extensive searches, the exact fate of Lapérouse and his crew remains one of maritime history's enduring mysteries.
Remarkably for his time, Lapérouse expressed in his writings a belief in cultural exchange rather than imposing European ways on other civilizations. He believed it was better to let people live in the harmony of their own culture.
Nan and Marty Deniston, longtime listeners of the podcast, share their experience of spending three months in Avignon to significantly improve their French language skills. They utilized a private tutor, structured their days around lessons and excursions, and found unique ways to immerse themselves in the language and culture.
Marty Deniston explains the Peugeot Tourist Transit (TT) program, a lease option available to non-European Union residents for stays between 21 and 175 days within the EU. He highlights the program's cost-effectiveness, with a three-month lease costing $2,500, and includes comprehensive insurance with no deductible.
Nan and Marty Deniston share their favorite discoveries during their three-month stay in Avignon, highlighting Vaison-la-Romaine for Roman history and its medieval town, Arles for its historical significance, and Cassis for its seaside beauty. They also recommend lesser-known gems like Séguret and Oppède-le-Vieux for their picturesque settings.
Nan and Marty Deniston discuss the cultural difference of French business hours, noting that many places close for a two-hour lunch break and are often closed on Sundays and Mondays. They encourage listeners to adapt to this rhythm, framing it as part of the 'art de vivre' and a way to slow down and enjoy life, rather than an inconvenience.
To fund their extended stay in France, Nan and Marty Deniston rented out their home in Santa Barbara, California, offsetting the costs of their three-month immersion. They also advocate for home exchange as a zero-cost alternative for shorter trips, sharing positive experiences in various European cities.
Annie Sargent discusses Lyon's public transportation system, noting it's superior to Toulouse's. She mentions the Rhône Express to the airport costs €16 one-way but an Uber can be cheaper, around €35-€80 depending on the time of day and service.
The Fourvière hill in Lyon is a significant area featuring the opulent Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière and the ancient Lugdunum Roman theater and museum. Annie Sargent highlights the basilica's mosaics and gold interior, while Mikayla Sibner details the Roman theater, noting its accessibility and use for summer concerts.
Mikayla Sibner explains Lyon's traboules, secret passageways between buildings, which were historically used to bypass streets and move goods efficiently. Annie Sargent notes that many are now marked and accessible during specific hours, forming a key part of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Vieux Lyon.
The city of Lyon is known for its impressive murals, including the 'Le Mur des Canuts,' a trompe-l'oeil that creates a realistic illusion of depth. Annie Sargent also highlights 'Les Fresques Lyonnais,' featuring famous Lyonnais figures, and mentions smaller mosaic art hidden in the streets by an artist known as 'Les Nouveaux=${@model.model_name}='.
Lyon's history is deeply intertwined with silk production, dating back to early French kings and evolving with the invention of the Jacquard machine. Mikayla Sibner explains that the tall ceilings in the Croix-Rousse neighborhood were designed to accommodate these machines and the workers who lived and worked in the same space. While artisanal silk is now expensive (€1,500 for a scarf), much of the silk sold in shops originates from China.
Lyon, known as France's gastronomic capital, offers a rich culinary experience. Annie Sargent mentions specialties like quenelle and saucisson brioché, while Mikayla Sibner highlights the famous praline rose (praluline) and the high concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants. They also discuss the contrast between the high-end Les Halles Paul Bocuse and more everyday markets found in the south of France.
Mikayla Sibner, founder of Pardon My Learning, offers French language immersion experiences, including week-long 'séjours linguistiques' that combine classes with tourism. They also offer 'walk and talks' for visitors to Lyon, focusing on conversational practice in real-world settings, with tours conducted in either French or English depending on the group's needs and the tour guide's capabilities.
This episode delves into the life of Camille Claudel, a talented sculptor who worked alongside Auguste Rodin. Despite her artistic brilliance, Claudel faced betrayal from her family, leading to her confinement in an asylum for the last 30 years of her life. Her story is one of immense talent, profound tragedy, and a family secret that remained hidden for decades.
Camille Claudel, a gifted sculptor, began a decade-long artistic and romantic relationship with the renowned Auguste Rodin in 1882 when she was 18. During this period, she was instrumental in the creation of some of Rodin's most famous works, including 'The Kiss' and 'The Gates of Hell', while also developing her own distinct artistic style.
After her breakup with Rodin and the end of patronage from a Countess, Camille Claudel faced severe financial difficulties and increasing isolation. Her family, particularly her mother, refused to support her, contributing to her mental and emotional decline. In 1913, her mother and brother had her committed to an asylum, where she remained for 30 years.
Camille Claudel's brother, Paul, a renowned writer and diplomat, played a significant role in her tragic end. Despite Camille being the 'favorite' of their father, her mother was opposed to her artistic pursuits. Paul later described his sister as 'crazy' and, along with their mother, signed her into an asylum, deliberately excluding her from family affairs, even her father's funeral.
Despite Camille Claudel's tragic end and her family's attempts to erase her, her great-niece, Reine-Marie Paris, became instrumental in rediscovering and promoting Claudel's work. Paris, an art historian, dedicated her life to compiling a definitive catalog of Claudel's art and establishing the Musée Camille Claudel, ensuring the sculptor's legacy would be preserved and celebrated.
Camille Claudel's sculptural work evolved from an Art Nouveau style to a more impressionistic and emotional approach. Her pieces often explored themes of sensuality, relationships, and gossip, with notable marble works like 'The Gossips' and bronzes that captured dynamic movement. Art historians now believe her distinctive style influenced Auguste Rodin's own artistic development.
Sacha Cohen and her husband moved to Paris in December 2025 after exploring various regions of France for two and a half years. They initially obtained long-stay visitor visas and are now considering other visa options like the 'profession libérale' or 'micro entrepreneur' visas to pursue business ideas.
Sacha Cohen acknowledges the challenges of French administration, noting that while they hired an immigration lawyer for their visa process, many others manage it themselves. She also highlights the emotional toll and the need for careful planning and research when dealing with paperwork and administrative tasks in France.
Securing housing in Paris involves a detailed 'dossier' with extensive personal and financial information, including tax statements, bank statements, and potentially birth and marriage certificates. Sacha Cohen also recommends including a letter of introduction to help landlords get to know prospective tenants.
Despite the process of obtaining a Carte Vitale, out-of-pocket doctor visits in France are significantly less expensive than in the United States. Sacha Cohen notes that a basic general practitioner visit might cost around 30 euros, with specialists like cardiologists costing around 55 euros.
Sacha Cohen emphasizes the importance of learning the French language, calling it a major hurdle for those who don't speak it. She advises aspiring expats to learn as much French as possible before and during their time in France, as it impacts everything from renting an apartment to opening a bank account.
Renting a one-bedroom apartment in Paris's inner arrondissements can cost around 2,000 euros, with prices decreasing further from the city center or in nearby suburbs. Websites like seloger.fr are recommended for researching prices and listings, and the 15th arrondissement is highlighted as a less touristy, neighborhood-focused area.
Sacha Cohen emphasizes that France operates heavily on relationships and connections, advising newcomers to network and build social circles. This approach is crucial for everything from finding housing to getting recommendations for services like hairdressers or doctors, making 'who you know' a significant factor.
Catherine de Medici, at 15, married the second son of the King of France, Henry. She discovered upon arrival that her fiancé was deeply infatuated with Diane de Poitiers, a woman older than Catherine. This situation created a complex dynamic for Catherine early in her marriage.
In France's history, queens have not officially reigned, a notable difference compared to other Western European countries like England or Spain. Their primary function was typically to produce heirs to the throne.
The Medici family, originally from a wealthy Italian city-state, accumulated extraordinary wealth and power. At one point in Italian history, a law was enacted to prevent marriage into the Medici family to avoid diluting their power and inheritance.
Catherine de Medici, an orphan, was under the protection of her uncle, the Pope, due to assassination attempts against her. These attempts were motivated by her status as the heiress to the enormous Medici fortune, which made her one of the richest individuals in Europe.
Francis I of France arranged the marriage between his second son, Henry, and Catherine de Medici. This was because Catherine, despite her family's immense wealth, was not deemed to have enough 'royal blood' for Francis's first son and heir.
Catherine de Medici, initially overshadowed by Diane de Poitiers, eventually became queen and had a long reign, mothering three French kings. She is also noted as being responsible for the St. Bartholomew's Day massacre, a controversial event.
Julie Lynch, an Australian costume designer with 40 years of experience, transitioned to painting and experienced her first individual overseas art retreat in Noyers, a medieval village in Burgundy. She describes the retreat as a relaxed experience focused on absorbing the surroundings rather than achieving specific artistic outcomes.
During her art retreat in Noyers, Julie Lynch, an Australian artist, created abstract Burgundy landscapes using a gel plate. This was a departure from her usual work focusing on Australian flora and birds, and she found the experience of painting the French countryside inspiring.
The art retreat in Noyers, Burgundy, balanced morning artistic activities with afternoon excursions. Julie Lynch and her friends visited towns like Avallon, Vézelay, and the Château d'Ancy-le-Franc, enriching their experience of the region.
During their retreat, Julie Lynch and her friends visited Avallon, discovering a historic costume museum run by elderly women, and Vézelay, home to the Abbaye Sainte-Marie-Madeleine. These excursions offered a glimpse into the region's history and culture.
The group visited the Château d'Ancy-le-Franc, a grand château from the 16th century, noted for its symmetrical architecture and painted interiors. A surprising feature was the presence of early en-suite bathrooms dating back to the 1700s, integrated with the original design.
Julie Lynch describes Noyers as a fairytale village, small enough to connect with locals. The village, with a population of under 600, features individual shops and a charming atmosphere, including a medieval ring road and unique garden plots across the river.
The group also visited Chablis, a town famous for its wine. They experienced a lively Sunday market filled with produce and goods, and found the town to be relaxed with lovely shops and restaurants, suggesting it as a potential place to stay.
Annie Sargent, host of 'Join Us in France,' has launched a new YouTube channel, 'Join Us in France Video.' The channel will feature short, simple videos in spoken French for learners and visually explanatory videos in English about France.
The annual Bastille Day fireworks display at the Eiffel Tower in Paris has been rescheduled to July 13th, one day earlier than the traditional July 14th date. This change by the City of Paris is to allow for solemn remembrance of the 10th anniversary of the 2016 Nice terrorist attack. The event will feature 1,600 drones, an increase from last year, with themed sequences celebrating the French Navy and the sister city relationship between Paris and Rome.
Eugène Delacroix, a pivotal figure in 19th-century art, faced intense criticism throughout his career for his unconventional style and subject matter. Despite being labeled a Romantic painter, Delacroix resisted categorization, striving to express personal emotions and artistic vision. His early works, like 'La Barque de Dante,' were met with harsh reviews, forcing him to defend his artistic choices.
Following significant critical backlash for his early works, Eugène Delacroix created 'Liberty Leading the People' in 1831, inspired by the July Revolution. This painting depicted a realistic and emotionally resonant scene, earning immediate acclaim and being purchased by Louis-Philippe. However, due to its revolutionary imagery, the painting was later removed from public display for fear of inciting unrest.
In 1832, Eugène Delacroix embarked on a seven-month journey to Morocco and Algeria, an experience that profoundly influenced his art and inspired the Orientalist movement. He documented the exotic landscapes, people, customs, and decorative elements, filling notebooks with sketches and watercolors. This trip led to numerous paintings, including 'Femmes d'Alger Dans Leur Appartement,' and established a lasting theme in his work.
In the final decade of his life, Eugène Delacroix, now a renowned artist, focused on decorative art and accepted commissions for several churches, despite not being a religious man. His significant late works can be seen in the Assemblée Nationale, Bibliothèque Nationale, the Louvre's Galerie d'Apollon, and the churches of Saint-Sulpice and Saint-Paul. He also acquired a house near Saint-Sulpice to facilitate his work on large murals.
Larry Rosenblum describes his experience swimming in the Seine River in Paris during the summer months, highlighting specific locations like Bercy and the provided amenities. He notes the requirement of wearing a flotation device and shares his personal experience with the water temperature.
Larry Rosenblum details his use of augmented reality (AR) glasses at the Comédie-Française to receive English translations of plays, finding the technology to be highly effective. He saw 'Les Fourberies de Scapin' and found the AR experience to be about 98% successful.
Larry Rosenblum shares his experiences visiting the French Senate and the Richelieu site of the National Library during European Heritage Days. He describes the opulent conference hall and Senate chamber at the Palais du Luxembourg and the distinct atmospheres of the Oval Room and Labrouste Room libraries.
Larry Rosenblum, a lifelong stamp collector and writer for a national publication, discusses his visit to the revamped Paris Postal Museum. He highlights the museum's exhibits on postally related art and the historical significance of mail transmission, noting its value for both collectors and non-collectors.
Larry Rosenblum recounts his experience with Viality Tour's virtual reality (VR) offering that traces the history of the Louvre. He describes wearing VR glasses that transport users to different historical periods within the Louvre's grounds, from its origins as a fort in 1180 to its development as a palace and museum.
Larry Rosenblum shares his experience on a solo nighttime Segway tour in Paris, starting near the Eiffel Tower and concluding at the Louvre courtyard. He describes navigating bike lanes, dealing with traffic, and finding the ride along the illuminated Seine riverbanks to be the most delightful part of the tour.
Larry Rosenblum highly recommends Annie Sargent's VoiceMap tours in Paris, having used them for Le Marais, Saint Germain de Pres, the Latin Quarter, and around the Eiffel Tower. He highlights specific discoveries, such as an ancient city wall in the Latin Quarter and the historical Cour du Commerce Saint-André.
Larry Rosenblum offers advice for planning an extended stay in Paris, emphasizing early research, booking accommodations and flights, and using a spreadsheet for itinerary organization. He also recommends the Navigo Easy card for metro travel and advocates for leaving passports at the hotel for safety.
Larry Rosenblum describes his favorite museum, the Musée des Arts Forains, located in Bercy. He explains that it houses relics from fairs, including rides and animated figures, and highlights a unique, people-powered bicycle carousel that he found to be fast and fun.
This episode delves into the dramatic life of Alexandre Dumas Père, author of "The Three Musketeers" and "The Count of Monte Cristo." Despite his immense literary success, Dumas was a controversial figure due to his persona and his unconventional background, stemming from his grandmother being a slave and his father being the first non-white general in the French army.
Alexandre Dumas Père's father, the son of a marquis and a slave, rose to become the first non-white general in the French army. His career was cut short when he disobeyed Napoleon, leading to his capture, torture, and subsequent loss of his pension, a fate believed to have inspired Dumas' "The Count of Monte Cristo."
Despite his father's military achievements, Alexandre Dumas Père faced racism in his youth due to his mixed heritage. With a formal education ending at 13, he developed a passion for fables and historical stories, inspired by works like Walter Scott's "Ivanhoe," which fueled his dream of becoming a writer.
Alexandre Dumas first found fame not through novels, but through his prolific theater career, writing over 100 plays. His breakthrough came with the historical play "Henry III and His Court" in 1825. He was known for living life to the fullest, generously spending his earnings and fathering numerous children, even as he continued to produce a remarkable volume of work.
In 1844, at the age of 42, Alexandre Dumas published "The Three Musketeers," marking a massive success that was immediately followed by other iconic novels like "Twenty Years Later," "La Reine Margot," and "The Count of Monte Cristo." He achieved this prolific output often with the help of collaborator Alfred Maquet, who provided structural outlines for Dumas to flesh out.
Despite his immense success, Dumas frequently faced financial difficulties, leading to bankruptcy and debts, often due to his extravagant spending. In 1860, he personally funded Giuseppe Garibaldi's unification movement in Italy, even traveling there to support the cause and later becoming the head of museums and archaeological sites in Naples, including Pompeii.
France is experiencing a severe heatwave in June 2026, drawing comparisons to the deadly 2003 event. This has intensified the debate around air conditioning, with a discussion on its environmental impact given France's reliance on nuclear power. Practical advice for visitors includes verifying AC in accommodations and utilizing naturally cool spaces like churches and museums.